Qatar Steps Up Gas Politics With Calculated Expansion

Qatar stepped up its use of hydrocarbon politics this week as it doubled gas development plans. It’s no coincidence that this came the day after Iran finalized its contract with Total and CNPC for South Pars development (see p12).

Concerns that Qatar’s ability to supply contracted LNG volumes to customers due to the embargo by neighboring Saudi Arabia and the UAE last month always seemed misplaced (MEES, 9 June). Qatar this week opted to reinforce the point, announcing on 4 July...